Abstract
1. This review provides a synthesis of the available knowledge on Carmenta foraseminis, an emerging cocoa pest in northern South America. 2. This moth was first described in 1995 in Panama, and its proliferation across the Amazon basin is currently threatening the production of cocoa in the region and may endanger the sector's sustainability. Hence, it is important to further draw the attention of researchers towards this emerging pest. The larvae of this lepidopteran burrow within the pod and feed on beans and their pulp, causing important losses. 3. We present a critical synthesis of the knowledge on C. foraseminis (biology, geographic distribution, phylogenetic status, ecology), to identify the cause of its emergence and key points for its control. 4. We also describe similarities to another lepidopteran, the Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB) Conopomorpha cramerella, which is the main pest of cocoa in Asia, especially on the way it is controlled and eventual lessons and recommendations that can be drawn from the situation in Asia to better understand and manage cocoa pod infestation in the Amazon basin. 5. Additionally, we propose further research themes to be explored for Carmenta foraseminis that will help in the development of efficient management practices.